‘The public is hoping the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) would exercise its constitutionally mandated obligation by curtailing Grab’s expansion strategy, promoting fair competition, and preventing a further monopoly in the transport sector.’
CONCERNS have been raised over Grab Philippines’ bid for a dual franchise in the motorcycle taxi business. The firm, which bought the franchise of Move It in August 2022, is introducing a competing service with its Grab Bike offering.
Jobert Bolanos, head of the Motorcycle Rights Organization, raised the concerns during a lengthy Senate hearing last year that tackled rising fares and ride cancelations.
“Why not operate as one entity if there is a single owner?” Bolanos said, questioning the rationale “behind granting separate franchises to two distinct corporate entities under the same ownership umbrella.”
But the real issue transcends the mere allocation of franchises. “It touches on the broader concern of market fairness and competition. Entrusting multiple franchises to an already dominant player begs the question of why these opportunities are not being distributed among a wider range of companies.” This situation could lead to further monopoly of the market. Grab had previously acquired Uber’s business in the Philippines and now controls over 90 percent of the Transportation Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) market share. This dominance has forced commuters to grapple with inflated prices and the inconvenience of canceled rides.
The public is hoping the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) would exercise its constitutionally mandated obligation by curtailing Grab’s expansion strategy, promoting fair competition, and preventing a further monopoly in the transport sector.
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Motorbike accidents were inevitable during the holiday season either from drunken or drugged driving and numerous deliveries accompanied by reckless speeding. Motorists must be extra cautious against these new “daredevils” on the road who would virtually fight for even the narrowest space in and around vehicles.
The Land Transportation Office has recorded a 20 percent increase in road accidents from the same holiday period in 2023, mostly involving motorbikes.
The DOH has recorded 703 road accidents in just 15 days – from December 22 to January 6, 497 of them involving motorcycles. At least 127 accident victims were under the influence of liquor. There was no DOH data on victims positive for drug use. It is perplexing why the DOH has not found a way to provide the public with sufficient data on the matter.
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Two huge tragedies struck the families of the crash victims of a South Korean passenger plane that killed 179 and an ISIS-influenced American who barreled his truck into crowds of holiday-makers in New Orleans, killing 15 and injuring 50 others.
The first tragedy occurred two days before Christmas and the second on New Year’s Eve.
How can anyone explain to the deeply grieving families in South Korea why their loved ones were suddenly snatched from their lives?
At the height of merriment with abundant food, drinks, and music, Bourbon St. in New Orleans was, without warning, turned into a death zone with holiday-makers run over or crushed to death.
Indeed, how can anyone explain that the otherwise festive Christmas spirit could be overwhelmed, in an instant, by unbearable pain and sorrow? Such tragedies come through a devastating form of anguish and suffering, a truly crucial moment when Christians (Catholics, Protestants, Born-Again, Adventists) are bound. as the Bible says, to come together to directly bring comfort, peace and hope to those who deeply mourn. People would rather shun and avoid occasions of grief and bereavement and go about their merry ways, especially during the Christmas season.
This is a contradiction to the essential message of Christmas, which has been exhibited during the first Christmas.
Jesus was born miserably in a stable, laid on a manger, and wrapped in swaddling clothes to show us that He “will never leave us or forsake us” through thick and thin or under all circumstances that this broken world can bring.
He became one of us through His death on the cross and resurrection, and surely we can allow Him to live in us through the Holy Spirit. So then, we truly become like Him as a selfless and eternal vessel of His kindness, holiness, compassion, love and sacrifice to many others caught in pain, suffering, darkness and despair.
